What Peels Are Safe for African-American Skin?

asked 3 years ago by Cherry10 in Miami, Florida
Latest answer by Gary H. Manchester, MD
Question viewed 31,302 times
Tags: African American, ethnic

I have a yellow/tan complexion (similar to Beyonce's), and I'd like to find out what peels are safe for me. I've searched for a long time for this answer and can't find the true answer (for example, some sites say TCA can be used, then some sites say TCA is not for non-white skin). Thank you for your answers!

7 answers to What Peels Are Safe for African-American Skin?

TCA can be risky for African-American skin.

I would start with a salicylic acid peel (20%) or Jessner's peel. These solutions tend to be less problematic for African-American skin. TCA peels in ethnic skin should be used with caution and I would not go higher than 10% TCA. If I was going to use TCA on African-American skin, I would probably do a small test spot and follow up in 1 month to ensure that it did not cause a pigmentary problem.

Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist

The depth of the peel should be matched to the depth of the problem you are trying to correct

The type of peel appropriate for you depends upon what condition you are trying to improve. For a peel to work you need to match the depth of the peel to the depth of the problem. It is true that in darkly pigmented skin caution must be exercised with chemical peeling. A good initial peel to try is a Jessner's peel. This is an intra-epithelial peel. It would correct texture problems and make the skin smoother. You may also consider a treatment like microdermbrasion. Exercise... more

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

What chemical to use on black skin

There is no good chemical or treatment to use on dark skin. The problem is that anything that can affect the skin can affect the melanocytes that give color to the skin. Before undergoing any treatment, the skin should be tested in an inconspicuous place to see the effect the treatment. This is true with all chemicals as well as lasers.

Gary H. Manchester, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Chemical peels safe for African American skin

There are a number of types of peels that can be performed safely and with excellent results on brown skin. The type of peel you get will depend on your problem, More importantly have your peel done by a licensed professional who is experienced doing chemical peels on brown skin. Steer clear of full phenol peels. Only have a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon do a TCA peel on you.

Dina D. Strachan, MD
New York Dermatologist

Benefits of Chemical Peels

Almost everyone can benefit from chemical peels. You are no exception. The most important thing to do is to find a dermatologist who has extensive experience with chemical peels so that they know how best to treat your skin. I am from Miami originally and I can tell you there are a large number of very well-trained dermatologists there. Please avoid the med-spas and non-dermatologist/plastic surgeon providers!

Victoria W. Serralta, MD
Arlington Dermatologic Surgeon

Peels for African American Skin

The issue with darker skin is not whether you can or cannot have a peel; the issue is how aggressive that peel is. That is, the more aggressive the peel the more likely you will have post-treatment hyperpigmentation. For example, a high strength TCA peel would not be for you, but a very low strength TCA peel or even a light glycolic peel could be used on your skin.

David Goldberg, MD
New York Dermatologic Surgeon

Peels for African-American skin

A more important question for you will be: where should I go to get my peel? Certain peels are safe for African-American skin and are indeed beneficial. These peels can also be dangerous and lead to pigment problems. It would be extremely important for you not to cut corners, make sure you have them done by an experienced medical provider - a facial plastic surgeon, dermatologist or a plastic surgeon. Frequently, the doctor will have a nurse do the peel, but make sure you actually... more

Stella Desyatnikova, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

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